Local News

Superior Court Clerk Kelli Paradise Smith (center) works with bailiffs Mike Haler, Olin “Smiley” Taylor, Joe Williams and Dave Williams in the Oglethorpe County Courthouse in Lexington. About 150 people can be summoned for a criminal trial in the county. (Katherine Davis/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Superior Court Clerk Kelli Paradise Smith (center) works with bailiffs Mike Haler, Olin “Smiley” Taylor, Joe Williams and Dave Williams in the Oglethorpe County Courthouse in Lexington. About 150 people can be summoned for a criminal trial in the county. (Katherine Davis/The Oglethorpe Echo)

An inside look to navigating the courthouse

Gabrielle Gruszynski and Katherine Davis
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
On any given weekday, the Oglethorpe County Courthouse hums with steady activity — civil filings, property records and jury selections all pass through its doors. From marriage licenses to mortgages, most residents will interact with the local court system at some point.
Retired University of Georgia entomology professor and former extension specialist Dr. William Hudson reaches for a female Joro spider on Nov. 4, 2025, in Winterville, Ga. Known for their docile nature, Joro spiders have never been recorded harming humans. (Gabrielle Gruszynski/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Retired University of Georgia entomology professor and former extension specialist Dr. William Hudson reaches for a female Joro spider on Nov. 4, 2025, in Winterville, Ga. Known for their docile nature, Joro spiders have never been recorded harming humans. (Gabrielle Gruszynski/The Oglethorpe Echo)

A sticky web they weave

Gabrielle Gruszynski
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Big, brightly colored and impossible to miss, Oglethorpe County residents are spotting Joro spiders everywhere this fall.  “It’s just a crazy density,” said Elmer Gray, University of Georgia entomologist and Arnoldsville resident.
The Oglethorpe County Senior Center's office dog Stetson receives cuddles from visitors during the center's Halloween costume party last Friday. Stetson belongs to center director Corie Robinson and has been coming to work with her everyday since he was eight weeks old. (Hannah Freeman/The Oglethorpe Echo)

The Oglethorpe County Senior Center's office dog Stetson receives cuddles from visitors during the center's Halloween costume party last Friday. Stetson belongs to center director Corie Robinson and has been coming to work with her everyday since he was eight weeks old. (Hannah Freeman/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Office dog Stetson brings happiness to senior center

Hannah Freeman
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Corie Robinson goes to work as director of the Oglethorpe County Senior Center every day, but she’s never alone. Whether Robinson is playing bingo or typing at her desk, a 10-month-old miniature dachshund named Stetson is near.
Izzy (left) and Tania Marler enjoy bonding over baking for Three Dogs and a Girl Bakery. Izzy serves as CEO and Tania assists with tasks, such as posting on social media. (Emily Adams/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Izzy (left) and Tania Marler enjoy bonding over baking for Three Dogs and a Girl Bakery. Izzy serves as CEO and Tania assists with tasks, such as posting on social media. (Emily Adams/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Homemade happiness

Grace Burnett
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Three Dogs and a Girl Bakery in Winterville embodies Izzy Marler’s mission of inclusion.  A graduate of the Destination Dawgs program at the University of Georgia, Izzy bakes and sells artisan, breads, treats and pastries alongside Tania Marler, her mother, from their Winterville home.
Casey Marbutt, Project Manager at SPG Planners & Engineers, speaks to commissioners on behalf of Andy Barrs, CEO of Barrs Industries. Marbutt told commissioners about the details of the mixed-density residential development, including its aim to take developmental pressure off rural areas in the county. (Kimberly Thomas/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Casey Marbutt, Project Manager at SPG Planners & Engineers, speaks to commissioners on behalf of Andy Barrs, CEO of Barrs Industries. Marbutt told commissioners about the details of the mixed-density residential development, including its aim to take developmental pressure off rural areas in the county. (Kimberly Thomas/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Commission OKs subdivision, RV ordinance changes

Kimberly Thomas
Thursday, November 6, 2025
The Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners approved revisions to the county’s subdivision and recreational vehicle ordinances at its meeting on Monday night, following a recommendation from the zoning board.  The commissioners approved the changes 4-0.
Eligible voters from Lexington visited the Oglethorpe County Board of Elections building on Nov. 4, 2025 to vote on FLOST, ESPLOST, homestead exemption tax and public service commissioners. (Ansley Gavlak/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Eligible voters from Lexington visited the Oglethorpe County Board of Elections building on Nov. 4, 2025 to vote on FLOST, ESPLOST, homestead exemption tax and public service commissioners. (Ansley Gavlak/The Oglethorpe Echo)

County voters approve FLOST and ESPLOST

Sophia Eppley
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Oglethorpe County voters approved a new Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) and the renewal of the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) on Tuesday.
Cole Faust, a senior at OCHS, won the State Tractor Operation and Maintenance CDE through the Georgia FFA at the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition last month. He wants to attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College after graduation. (Submitted Photo)

Cole Faust, a senior at OCHS, won the State Tractor Operation and Maintenance CDE through the Georgia FFA at the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition last month. He wants to attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College after graduation. (Submitted Photo)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Drive to win pushes Faust to tractor title

Jacob Harper
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Cole Faust made Oglethorpe County history last month. On a tractor.  The Oglethorpe County High School senior won the State Tractor Driving and Operations contest, the first time an FFA member from OCHS has won the event. Faust said his victory was a long time coming.
Kassie Mathews (from left), Alexis Brakhage and Madelyn Flores stand in front of the Eagle Scout project, sun shades for the Oglethorpe County marching band. Flores is the second female in the county to earn the prestigious honor. (Submitted Photo)

Kassie Mathews (from left), Alexis Brakhage and Madelyn Flores stand in front of the Eagle Scout project, sun shades for the Oglethorpe County marching band. Flores is the second female in the county to earn the prestigious honor. (Submitted Photo)

Flores soars: Second Oglethorpe County female earns Eagle Scout

Gabrielle Gruszynski
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Now, after six years of service and dedication, Flores has achieved that goal with the help of her troop, community and family.  “They (family and friends) definitely pushed me to make sure that I have it done,” she said.